NEW Forest Green goalkeeper Steve Arnold is ready to fight it out for the number one spot with Sam Russell.

Arnold, 24, a 6ft 5ins giant, penned a two-year deal with Ady Pennock’s side at the New Lawn today, following his release from Graham Westley’s League One outfit Stevenage.

Arnold said: "I've come here to challenge for the number one shirt. I had that competition at Stevenage and as long as it's a healthy rivalry than the player that ends up in goal will be the deserving keeper."

He made 32 appearances for Boro in 2012-13 during his first season at the League One club, but managed only four games last season after a change in manager and then injury saw him slip behind Chris Day in the pecking order.

"I've got a bit more in my locker than just my size. It was the best season for me personally last year; the one before I played the whole season but there was a change in manager there and I was pushed aside.

"From my point of view it was a no brainer coming here to Forest Green and the ambition to get into the Football League struck a chord with me.”

Arnold began his footballing journey at Boreham Wood and Arsenal before settling at Norwich City's centre of excellence in 2005.

He made his senior debut after moving on to Grays Athletic in the Football Conference and had further spells at Eastleigh, Wycombe Wanderers and Hayes & Yeading before signing for League One Stevenage as a 22-year-old.